half e-bike, half software (update)
E-bikes are expensive, ugly, heavy and difficult to use? This may occasionally be true – but certainly not with Cowboy 3, which GIGA editor Stefan accompanied for a few days in the urban jungle of Berlin.
Cowboy has also integrated another interesting feature, thanks to which you know how full or empty the battery is likely to be at the destination before you start your planned journey.
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Cowboy 3 in the test: top design and decent equipment
Justified question: why do you even need an e-bike? Well, keywords such as incline, acceleration, headwind and luggage come into question as arguments. Even in flat Berlin, a bike with an electric motor can be quite useful. But see for yourself, here in the video:
TSG half shell helmet
The Cowboy 3 is a “smart and networked one Design bike with electric drive ”is the description of the Belgian manufacturer. In fact, the design is successful and looks completely modern – anyone who likes a businesslike, minimalist look could fall in love with the Cowboy 3 at first glance. Noticeable feature: the seat tube is particularly wide, as the exchangeable battery is located here.
It is priced with 2,290 euros in the midfield. For this you get an aluminum frame, an aluminum fork, a carbon fiber belt instead of a boring bicycle chain, powerful hydraulic brakes and stylish rims with metal alloy. The bicycle lighting prescribed in Germany, Austria and Switzerland is also included in the scope of delivery of the Cowboy 3, but must be attached additionally. The already integrated lighting does not meet the legal requirements in Germany.
Reflectors are front and back according to road traffic regulations also mandatory and these are also enclosed by the manufacturer. There are mudguards – but in the end we are missing a luggage rack and a bike stand on Cowboy 3. Overall good equipment, but still expandable in places.
Battery and driving behavior
The elongated one battery pack can be easily removed (secured by a lock) and is fully charged in around 3.5 hours with the 100 watt power supply. Wear is of course also an issue here. After 500 charging cycles, according to the manufacturer, 70 percent of the original operating range should still remain. A replacement battery currently costs 400 euros and is available directly from the manufacturer. Two integrated torque and speed sensors diligently collect driving data. These are used to 250 watt rear hub motor to control automatically. The maximum torque is 30 Newton meters.
Up to 70 km range are in it with the Cowboy 3, at the 25 km / h assistance speed that is usual for pedelecs. The sitting posture on the Cowboy 3 is more sporty than comfortable and corresponds to a trekking bike or MTB. I liked it a lot – but those who prefer Dutch bikes with an upright seating position will prefer to look at another model.
The Driving comfort on asphalt is sufficient for everyday life. A suspension fork is not installed, but the mighty tires at least absorb minor bumps. Berlin’s cycle paths leave a lot to be desired in places – but the e-bike is usually up to this challenge, and it only becomes uncomfortable on cobblestones. My assessment: The Cowboy 3 is ideal for short to medium distances in the city. I wouldn’t recommend it for long tours in rough terrain.
When driving there is amazingly little to do: there are no gear levers or controls for the electric motor – the Cowboy 3 controls automatically electrical energy that supports cycling. You just have to step on the pedals and brake – if you like to shift and control, you may have to get used to it first. We were impressed by how naturally the Cowboy 3 drives, whether on a slope or at the start of the traffic light – the support force always arrives quickly and in a well-dosed manner. No jerks or sudden thrusts – this is exactly how such an automatic must work!
The Cowboy 3 is with 16.9 kilograms comparatively easy. Some e-bikes weigh almost 25 kilos – that makes a difference in everyday life.
Cowboy 3: The real potential only shows the app
The full range of functions of the Cowboy 3 can only be seen on the mobile phone. After you have familiarized yourself with the associated app Call up all sorts of useful features: unlock the e-bike, switch the lights on and off, check the charge level – and those are just the basics. In addition, the Cowboy 3 can be tracked via GPS, which should spoil thieves’ joy.
The smartphone app is stylishly designed, but not particularly intuitive to use. Perhaps one day an update will bring us stronger contrasts and a better overview. Speaking of Updates: The bike itself can also be further optimized by the manufacturer using software, for example fine-tuning the motor control or smart features such as automatic fall detection. The Cowboy app is currently only available in English, but the team in Brussels is currently working on a German, French and Dutch version.
Such a networked e-bike naturally also raises questions about the protection of personal data. The manufacturer has a for this on its website Privacy Policy releasedthat serves to educate. Basically, if you are overly sensitive to this topic, you should perhaps refrain from using the Cowboy 3 – many of the practical features simply cannot be implemented without data processing.
Cowboy 3 in the test: our conclusion
The Cowboy 3 can stand out from the wide range of e-bikes. If you like it carefree, automatic and digital, you can get one here cleverly put together package which consists of half a bicycle and half software. This is a route that more providers are sure to take in the near future. The Cowboy 3 drives ahead here and shows us what is possible.
